Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Photo Courtesy of Indiana Broadcast Pioneers

Harry Frankel, widely known by his stage name "Singin’ Sam," was a celebrated performer and radio personality who achieved national fame during the early days of commercial radio. Best remembered as “Singin’ Sam, the Barbasol Man,” he entertained audiences with his unique blend of nostalgic songs and storytelling. 

Born on January 27, 1888, in Hillsboro, Ohio, Frankel spent his early childhood in Danville, Kentucky, before moving to Richmond, Indiana, at age nine. His entertainment career began in vaudeville, minstrel shows, and singing in silent films. He performed with Coburn’s Minstrels and Al G. Field Minstrels before teaming with Joe Dunlevy from Coburn’s in the 1920s as “The Two Blackbirds.” 

In 1930, the owner of the Great States Lawn Mower Company asked Frankel if he would be interested in doing on-air advertising for his company. He agreed and began broadcasting from WLW in Cincinnati, where he adopted the stage name “Singin’ Sam” and billed himself as “The Lawnmower Man.” 

 His engaging style made him a popular figure on WLW, catching the attention of Barbasol executives. Beginning in 1931, Frankel broadcasted as “Singin’ Sam, the Barbasol Man” on WABC in New York. 

Frankel decided to leave New York and return to Richmond where he married Helene “Smiles” Davis in 1934. He resumed broadcasting for Barbasol from Cincinnati and stayed with the company for seven years. 

 From 1937 to 1942 Frankel appeared for Coca-Cola on a program titled “Refreshment Time with Singin’ Sam.” These were 15-minute pre-recorded programs that were distributed to small stations. 

Frankel left Coca-Cola after the American Federation of Musicians banned the use of transcriptions and asked him to move back to New York to perform the radio show live.   

Briefly, during World War II Frankel again worked for Barbasol, broadcasting from Indianapolis. 

In 1945, Frankel launched “Reminiscin’ with Singin’ Sam”, a series of transcriptions featuring classic and contemporary songs.  

Frankel planned on retiring to Sarasota, Florida, but passed away on June 12, 1948, during a visit to Richmond.  

January 2025

Katherine Maners

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers